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The US Marine Corps (USMC) has contracted with Stauder Technologies for an initial order of 200 wearable tactical computer system kits, called “SLATE” (Smaller, Lighter, Ancillary TLDHS Equipment) that hosts Stauder’s StrikeLink® software currently fielded to the US Marine Corps for their Target Location, Designation and Handoff System (TLDHS), of which Stauder is the prime system integrator. Marine Forward Observers (FOs) and Joint Tactical Terminal Controllers (JTACs) use the StrikeLink® software and equipment suite to identify and prosecute enemy targets to support ground troops under fire.

St. Peters, Missouri (PRWEB)January 04, 2013

SLATE was developed to address a need within the USMC for a lighter, smaller computing platform for the dismounted Marine FO and JTAC. To address this need, Stauder Technologies teamed with Black Diamond Advanced Technology (BDAT) to enhance their Modular Tactical System (MTS) to include additional components and functions to fulfill mission requirements. The SLATE system consists of small, ultra-rugged, lightweight components, including a highly integrated tactical computer with power distribution system, and a peripheral expansion hub, all of which integrates into a warfighter’s tactical vest, or in a small ruck sack. The significant Size Weight and Power (SWaP) reductions afforded by employing the MTS as the hardware platform for SLATE allows dismounted TLDHS operators to practically employ these considerable capabilities while moving on foot.

Stauder Technologies’ StrikeLink® system, the material solution for the TLDHS program of record for the US Marine Corps, uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) combined with a Laser Range Finder (LRF) and digital imaging technologies to identify and locate targets and then digitally transmit this targeting and mission information directly into air, sea, and land weapon delivery platforms, including aircraft, ground based artillery and mortars, and naval gunships. This marks a significant advancement, improving response time and minimizing fratricide, compared to the binocular, compass, paper map and voice call methods that have been in use for targeting and handoff for decades.

Stauder Technologies is a privately held firm, founded in 1997, which has evolved into a leading provider of targeting, geodetic and communications software for the United States military. Stauder’s StrikeLink® and Gusto® systems are designed to support ground troops and save lives by distinguishing between enemy targets and friendly forces and reducing the human error and time involved in the manual method of target identification, location and handoff. Stauder’s office and manufacturing complex are located in St. Peters Commercial Park in St. Peters, Missouri, located just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. http://www.staudertech.com

Black Diamond Advanced Technology specializes in wearable weapon systems that treat the warfighter as a cohesive integrated system, allowing foot-mobile operation while carrying less weight and providing unobstructed access to ammunition, hydration and other mission-critical equipment. In addition to its Modular Tactical System (MTS), Black Diamond builds other wearable and handheld computing systems that integrate its core technology in custom-engineered hardware solutions. http://www.bdatech.com